Swarthmore College Taps Princeton's Dean for President

Princeton University's dean is leaving to become president of Swarthmore College.

Swarthmore officials announced Saturday that Valerie Smith will begin leading the small liberal arts school near Philadelphia on July 1.

Smith has served as dean at Princeton since 2011. She first came to the school in 1980 as an instructor of English and African-American studies. She later taught those subjects at the University of California in Los Angeles before returning to Princeton in 2001.

The chairman of Swarthmore's board of managers describes Smith as a respected scholar and effective leader who is committed to making education accessible and affordable.

Previous Swarthmore president Rebecca Chopp left last year to become chancellor at the University of Denver.

Interim president Constance Hungerford will continue to lead the college until Smith arrives.